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ANFET EDITORIAL-February 16, 2026
Tensions between Ethiopia and Eritrea have escalated sharply in recent days, with both sides trading accusations and increasing military readiness along one of the region’s most fragile borders. No formal declaration of war has been made, but the pattern is familiar: when rhetoric hardens and mobilization begins, the risk of miscalculation rises.
For Eritreans everywhere, this is a moment that demands clarity and discipline. We cannot allow fear, misinformation, or social-media speculation to shape our understanding. The stakes are too high for emotional reactions or unverified claims.
This crisis has deep roots-unresolved political grievances, shifting alliances, and the unfinished aftermath of the TPLF era. Ethiopia’s internal fragmentation and Eritrea’s long-standing politics of confrontation have created a dangerous environment where a single misstep could ignite a wider conflict. And as always, it is ordinary citizens who would pay the price.
Eritrean democratic forces must rise to this moment with maturity. Fragmentation and silence are no longer options. The Joint Diplomacy Team-EPF, ENCDC, and ECDC-must coordinate rapidly and speak with one voice to regional and international partners.
A critical weakness remains the IGAD gap: Eritreans have had no credible presence in IGAD-related diplomacy for years, allowing the regime to dominate the narrative. This gap must be filled immediately by professionals with real knowledge of the Red Sea, maritime security, and East African geopolitics. Their role is not symbolic-it is strategic.
We call for calm, discipline, and preparedness. Leadership must monitor developments closely, strengthen diplomatic channels, and protect our people from panic and manipulation. Calm does not mean complacency; it means readiness.
The Horn of Africa stands at a crossroads. With principled leadership and coordinated action, Eritreans can navigate this dangerous chapter with clarity and purpose.
ANFET will continue to provide analysis grounded in facts, not fear.
